Effect of Micro-scale Y Addition on the Fracture Properties of Al–Cu–Mn Alloy

Abstract Rare earth (RE) elements have positive effects on Al alloy, while most research is focused on microstructure and mechanical properties. As important application indices, toughness and plasticity are properties that are sensitive to alloy fracture characteristics, and few research studies have characterized the fracture properties of Al–Cu–Mn alloy on RE elements. The effect of different contents of Y on the fracture properties of Al–Cu–Mn alloy is investigated. T6 heat treatment (solid solution and artificial aging treatment), optical microscope (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) methods are applied to the alloy. Results showed that when Y element is present at 0.1%, the section of the as-cast alloy has smaller sized dimples and the fracture mode presents ductile features. Slight changes in hardness are also observed and maintained at about 60 HV. With increasing content of the RE element Y from 0.1 to 0.5%, the θ phase and Cu atoms in the matrix were reduced and most stopped at Grain boundaries (GBs). Micro-segregation and an enriched zone of Y near the GBs gradually increased. At the same time, the inter-metallic compound AlCuY is aggregated at grain junctions causing deterioration of the micro-structure and fracture properties of the alloy. After T6 treatment, the flatness of the fracture surface was lower than that of all the as-cast alloy showing lots of dimples and teared edges with a significant increase in hardness. When Y content was 0.1%, the strength and hardness of the alloy increased due to refinement of the grain strengthening effect. The content of Y elements segregated in the inter-dendritic zone and GBs is reduced. Plasticity and deformation compatibility also improved, making cracks difficult to form and merge with each other along adjacent grain junctions and providing an increased potential for ductile fracture. This paper proposes the addition of RE Y as an effective and prospective strategy to improve the fracture properties of the Al–Cu–Mn alloy and provide a meaningful reference in terms of improving overall performance.